Monday, 25 January 2016

Discussion Points: Norwich City F.C. vs. Liverpool F.C. - 4-5

Firstly,
I apologise for the lack of all things Liverpool Football Club throughout these
parts of late. I took a break during the Christmas period and just can’t
get my arse back into gear. Let’s be honest, though; sites such as
Soccernet and the Echo provide similarities that a bloke with his post
office bank account just can’t compete with. Whilst
on the subject of “woe is me”, the weekend’s fixture against Norwich has easily
taken ten years off my life. I’m sure others of the Red persuasion harbour
similar apprehensions. It was so crazy that not even that night in Istanbul
provided us with that much of a rollercoaster of emotions. It was simply
absurd, and if you wanted to find an example of the grotesque and euphoric
examples football can provide within such a short space of time, then the
events at Carrow Road provided this flawless narrative. I’m just happy the
Redmen came away victorious otherwise that ten year reduction in life
expectancy may have extended to twenty.

So,
for something different. Here are some discussion points from the match. I
would love for you guys to debate on the below issues. Why do you think?:

Let’s
not mince words here. Liverpool’s set piece defending is beyond shambolic. The
worst I’ve seen it, in fact. Paul Tomkins’ article sheds some light on the
matter in rather fine fashion. Read here.

If
I caught my wife in bed with my next door neighbour, would I blame Simon
Mignolet? No, but some probably would. Now, I have reservations about his
form as much as the next man, but to lay blame at his doorstep for any of
Norwich's four goals is simply ridiculous. Those guilty, put your knives back in
thedrawer and do a Sudoku.

We
probably didn’t deserve three points, and for that I do feel sympathy with
Norwich. However, as we know, football is a funny game and while we were
unlucky not to take the points against Manchester United and perhaps arguably
against Arsenal as well, the law of averages have evened themselves out after
the weekend’s play. Either that or there may just be a football God…

Roberto
Firmino is starting to show signs of the player we all thought he could be.
Five goals and five assists in a season where he has been in and out of the
starting line-up, not to mention playing in different positions. If it weren’t
for better finishing from some of his teammates, he could have a further three
assists and that’s not mentioning that he has also hit the woodwork on three
separate occasions. There’s more to come here, folks.

Jordan
Henderson, whilst very much below par, provided a moment which displayed
leadership. His goal helped claw Liverpool back into the game. Leadership has been a
glaring facet which Liverpool have lacked this season, but this moment provided some of that.

Does
a midfield three of Henderson, Lucas, and Emre Can work? Can looks rather
uncomfortable in this set-up and appears to work better with one of Lucas and
Henderson.

Although
James Milner has been much maligned this season, his second half display was
arguably his best performance in a Red shirt. Strangely enough, it came from
operating on the left hand side.

Speaking
of the left hand side, Alberto Moreno’s spot in the starting eleven is under
threat. If Brad Smith isn’t banging on the door for a run in this team, then
Jon Flanagan certainly is. Moreno’s defensive issues have been well documented,
however it may be the time for Klopp to take him out of the firing line.

Jurgen
Klopp loves Adam Lallana. Although many may not agree, he is the hardest
working player in the team and it seems the hard work finally paid off. His
introduction completely changed the complexion of the match and enabled Liverpool
to press high, win the ball and move the ball quicker in key areas of the
pitch. Let’s hope he can kick on and add to his goal tally.

That
goal celebration. Words can’t explain. Be happy and just laugh (especially at
Kolo Toure!). Jurgen Klopp is a complete nutter and I have to say I love it!